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The Veterinary record2015; 176(13); 334; doi: 10.1136/vr.102708

Trends in antimicrobial resistance in equine bacterial isolates: 1999-2012.

Abstract: This study aimed to identify changing antimicrobial resistance patterns in isolates commonly obtained from equine clinical submissions. Laboratory records from 1999 to 2012 were searched for equine samples from which Escherichia coli or Streptococcus species was isolated. Susceptibility to enrofloxacin, ceftiofur, gentamicin, penicillin G, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (TMPS) and tetracyclines was noted. Isolates were divided into those identified between 1999 and 2004 (Early) and between 2007 and 2012 (Late). The proportion of isolates resistant to each antimicrobial and multiple drug-resistant (MDR) isolates (≥3 antimicrobial classes) was compared between time periods. There were 464 isolates identified (242 Early; 222 Late). A significant increase in the percentage of E coli isolates resistant to ceftiofur (7.3-22.7 per cent, P=0.002), gentamicin (28.5-53.9 per cent, P<0.001), tetracyclines (48.4-74.2 per cent, P=0.002) and MDR (26.6-49.4 per cent, P=0.007) was identified. There was a significant increase over time in the percentage of all streptococcal species resistant to enrofloxacin, ranging from 0 per cent (Early) up to 63 per cent (Late) depending on species. For Streptococcus zooepidemicus, resistance over time to tetracyclines and MDR increased. There was also a decrease in the proportion of S zooepidemicus resistant to TMPS over time. An increase in resistance over time of common equine pathogens to a number of commonly used antimicrobials supports the responsible use of antimicrobials.
British Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2015-01-27 PubMed ID: 25628448DOI: 10.1136/vr.102708Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article is a study that shows increasing antibiotic resistance in common bacteria found in horses, including E. coli and Streptococcus species, from 1999 to 2012.

Objective of the Study

  • The study aimed to examine changes in bacteria’s resistance to antimicrobials over time in common equine bacterial isolates. This was achieved by analyzing lab records of equine samples between 1999 and 2012.

Methods Used in the Study

  • From past lab records, they identified samples from horses where either Escherichia coli or Streptococcus species were isolated.
  • The samples were divided into two groups: early (1999 to 2004) and late (2007 to 2012).
  • They noted the bacteria’s resistance to certain antibacterials: enrofloxacin, ceftiofur, gentamicin, penicillin G, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMPS), and tetracyclines.

Major Findings

  • The study noticed a significant increase in E. coli’s resistance to several antibiotics such as ceftiofur, gentamicin, tetracyclines, and multiple drug-resistant (MDR).
  • For streptococcal species, researchers found a significant increased resistance to enrofloxacin over time, with a resistance rate reaching up to 63% in the late period for certain species, such as Streptococcus zooepidemicus.
  • However, a decrease in resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was also observed in S. zooepidemicus over time.

Conclusion of the Study

  • There is an increased resistance over time of common equine pathogens to several commonly used antimicrobials. This study emphasizes the need for responsible use of antimicrobials to combat increasing antibiotic resistance in equine bacterial isolates.

Cite This Article

APA
Johns IC, Adams EL. (2015). Trends in antimicrobial resistance in equine bacterial isolates: 1999-2012. Vet Rec, 176(13), 334. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.102708

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 176
Issue: 13
Pages: 334

Researcher Affiliations

Johns, I C
  • Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Equine Referral Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL97TA, UK.
Adams, E-L
  • Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Equine Referral Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL97TA, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Cephalosporins / pharmacology
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Enrofloxacin
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Escherichia coli / isolation & purification
  • Escherichia coli Infections / drug therapy
  • Escherichia coli Infections / veterinary
  • Fluoroquinolones / pharmacology
  • Gentamicins / pharmacology
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
  • Horses
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / veterinary
  • Penicillin G / pharmacology
  • Streptococcus / drug effects
  • Streptococcus / isolation & purification
  • Streptococcus equi / drug effects
  • Streptococcus equi / isolation & purification
  • Sulfamethizole / pharmacology
  • Tetracyclines / pharmacology
  • Trimethoprim / pharmacology
  • United Kingdom

Citations

This article has been cited 24 times.
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